Health
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and How We Can Treat or Prevent Them
Introduction
Seasonal allergy is a type of allergy that usually occurs during a specific season of a year. This is usually during the spring when plants and grasses pollinate. A good example of a seasonal allergy is hay fever that is associated with grass. Generally, seasonal allergies are mainly caused by pollen that enters the body through inhalation. Such pollen can also cause skin allergy in some individuals with sensitive skin.
Just like with other types of allergy, an allergic person will have their body’s immune system response to foreign matter it detects (pollen). The attack on the pollen (allergen) through the release of chemicals to destroy it causes a reaction. It is from this reaction that signs and symptoms emerge. Occurrence of such symptoms is instant and can make one feel very uncomfortable. Although the symptoms usually subside for a few hours or even days, they re-emerge again in severe form.
Symptoms
Seasonal symptoms are usually mild, and those who are not allergic will often not suffer any signs. Those allergic have to contend with various symptoms such as rhinitis that usually causes sneezing and running nose, conjunctivitis (itchy and watery eyes), itchy throat, and upper part of the mouth. In extreme cases, one may experience cough, produce a wheezing sound while breathing, and have a headache due to blockage of sinuses.
Symptoms Diagnosis
Diagnosing seasonal allergy symptoms is usually aimed at establishing if, indeed, it is a seasonal allergy. This is because seasonal allergy symptoms are the same as those presented by other types of allergy and some medical conditions. Diagnosis is usually through physical examination. There are also tests that an allergist may recommend to be sure of the cause. Such tests include blood and prick tests, amongst others.
Seasonal Allergy Symptom Treatment
Treating the symptoms is usually aimed at easing any pain and discomfort that a patient may be experiencing. Actual treatment is typically administered to address the cause, which in this case, is the body’s hypersensitivity. The use of antihistamines is usually the first line of symptom treatment.
A physician may prescribe the same along with pseudoephedrine that is very effective in relieving a stuffy nose. There are also over-the-counter medications that one can use to ease any discomfort. For those who are allergic to oral medicines, allergy shots are usually administered.
For symptoms that occur on the skin, varied, topical applications (bacterial and fungal) are available. Because of side effects generally associated with some of the symptom treatment medications, some people prefer to make use of natural remedies. These are available in both supplement and herbal forms.
Prevention
Seasonal allergy symptoms can cause severe discomfort and make life unbearable. Prevention is, therefore, usually the best way of dealing with them. One may consider avoiding going out when there is a high level of pollen in the air, especially in the mornings. When it is vital to go out, one should cover their mouth and nose to avoid inhaling it. Another effective way to prevent the reaction is to get an allergy shot as a preventive measure.